FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — An ordinance making masks required for Fayetteville businesses was voted on and passed unanimously Tuesday (June 16) evening.
Mayor Lioneld Jordan wrote a letter to business owners encouraging them to require people to wear masks inside their establishments.
Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are in Northwest Arkansas to help the state contain the outbreak of COVID-19 cases as both Benton and Washington Counties continue to see a significant increase in COVID-19 cases.
In the letter, Mayor Jordan asks local business owners to take two actions in an effort to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.
“First, please posts signs at your business entrance requiring masks or face coverings be worn by anyone who enters. Signs in English and Spanish are available on our website at the links at right (or below on a mobile device). Second, please refuse service to customers who do not wear masks or face coverings. If your business is required by the Arkansas Department of Health directive to enforce masks for employees and customers, please be diligent about enforcing this directive,” writes Mayor Jordan.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences released a data model that predicts people could be dying by the dozen over several days in October if social distancing guidelines are relaxed.
While many agree that wearing masks in public is necessary, there are also people with strong opinions against being forced to wear a mask who choose to avoid going anywhere that requires them.
Mayor Jordan writes, “I know that loss of business and reduced ability to operate has created a great financial burden for you. I am also aware that potentially turning away customers who refuse to wear masks may increase that burden. But I call upon you to send a strong message that each of us must do our part to reduce this threat to our community. Please post signs and continue enforcing responsible, considerate behavior in your business.”
To read the mayor's full letter to business owners click HERE.
The Fayetteville City Council met Tuesday (June 16) evening and discussed the following topics:
Plain language ordinance outline:
1) Masks required in public service areas at businesses, etc.
a) Except when eating, drinking, exercising.
b) Except in small group settings where social distancing can be followed.
c) Except for people with a relevant disabling condition.
d) Not applicable outdoors generally, except for events where the format or attendance prevents social distancing.
2) Businesses must post signage.
3) Businesses must distribute masks for free or a small fee.
4) Budget adjustment of $100k for a public safety campaign.
a) Targets high interaction sites.
b) Free masks for businesses to redistribute.
c) Sets up non-emergency hotline.
5) Sunset clause. Council will consider repeal when the state emergency order ends.
6) No penalty on individuals, except no access to applicable businesses without a mask. We will distribute a mask to anyone who lacks one.
7) No penalty for businesses, except for willful neglect.
Examples
• Masks will be required in a mechanic’s customer service area, but not in the workshop.
• Masks will be required in a corporate lobby, but generally not in employees-only areas.
• Masks will be required in all public-facing areas in a retail setting, such as a grocery or hardware store.
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